Research
Since our inception, AAF has produced comprehensive research reports to highlight the needs of Asian American communities, advocate for policy changes to improve access to essential services, and use data to tell the story of our community. Some of our most noteworthy publications have focused on Asian American employment, poverty, the senior population, mental health services for Asian New Yorkers, the contributions and challenges of Asian small businesses, and an analysis of city government funding for Asian communities.
Mental Health
All Asian Americans deserve access to culturally competent mental health care. AAF is committed to increasing the awareness of and reducing stigma around mental health issues in Asian American families. Our goal is to make sure every Asian American in New York city who needs mental health care is able to receive it in a language they speak, from providers who understand Asian cultures.
Immigrant Integration
All Asian American immigrants deserve a chance to achieve their dreams in America. With 70 percent of 1.4 million Asian New Yorkers being foreign born, AAF is committed to providing Asian immigrants with opportunities to learn skills that allow them to thrive and integrate easily into American life.
Economic Development
All Asian Americans deserve an equal shot at economic opportunity and AAF is working to help our communities sustain, promote and grow their businesses. Our goal is to ensure that Chinese, Korean, Indian, Bengali and other pan-Asian small business owners continue their legacy of vital contributions to New York City’s economy.
Nonprofit Support
Nonprofits serving the Asian community deserve every opportunity to achieve their full potential.
AAF is strengthening the capacity of over 70 member agencies and partner organizations to serve the 1.4 million Asian Americans in the City more effectively.
Civic Engagement
All Asian Americans deserve to have a seat at decision-making tables and their voices heard. While Asian Americans are the fastest growing population in the City at 16 percent, only less than half of eligible voters turn out to vote.
Census Information Center
In 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau designated AAF a Census Information Center, the only one serving the Asian community in the Northeast. We have 30 years of expertise in crafting culturally informed messages to convince hard-to-reach communities to get counted. We led the Census process for the Asian community in New York for the last 3 censuses, in 2000, 2010, and 2020, and empowered more Asians to participate and get counted. In 2020, despite COVID-related disruptions, and thanks to the 50 Asian groups we worked with to create messages in multiple languages, the Asian community’s Census participation rate was 62.4% — higher than that of New York City overall.